INCONSIDERATE street parking proved problematic for the emergency services across the county at the weekend.

Street parking, which is often the most talked about issue in newly developed areas such as North Swindon, is also causing problems in nearby Malmesbury.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with Wiltshire Police, visited a number of areas in the town following concerns raised by residents recently via social media and conversations with fire crews.

Chris Harvey, watch manager at Malmesbury Fire station, said: “We visited the highlighted areas and are happy to confirm that we were able to reach each location. However, this was not without its challenges and at certain locations, alternative routes had to be sought for access and on other places, the gaps were so small that the fire engine had to be marshalled through the gaps at a less than walking pace.

Had we been responding to an incident at these locations, then the vehicles that were causing the problems would have significantly impacted our response times.

“Hopefully when parking, people will start to consider if they have left enough room for an emergency vehicle to get through.”

Sgt Martin Alvis, of Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “The work that the fire service carry out in extremely challenging and often dangerous circumstances should be commended.

“As a community I ask that motorists really take time to look and see where they park. Cars were moved today and one motorist was fined.

“As we were dealing with one car, the crew received a shout and we were forced to take another route, extending the journey time. Thankfully all was in order but that extra time could have had a negative impact on the end result.”

Davey Gravey wrote:
Old streets not designed for cars, new estates with ridiculously designed layouts that are anti car plus idiots who cannot park properly.

Mainly the idiots who can't park properly.

[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Old streets not designed for cars, new estates with ridiculously designed layouts that are anti car plus idiots who cannot park properly.[/p][/quote]Mainly the idiots who can't park properly.stfcdod

I think everyone gets frustrated by selfish parking, even more so where I live where every house has at least 1 parking space, but they park on the pavement outside their houses because they cant be bothered to walk the extra 20 yards to the spaces. Too many people just don't think or don't care if it doesn't directly affect them.

I think everyone gets frustrated by selfish parking, even more so where I live where every house has at least 1 parking space, but they park on the pavement outside their houses because they cant be bothered to walk the extra 20 yards to the spaces. Too many people just don't think or don't care if it doesn't directly affect them.house on the hill

Many households these days also have more than one car which adds to parking congestion on the streets.
Some families, wife and husband each have own vehicle and have children who old enough and fortunate to afford a little run around but can't afford a place of their own so living at home and therefroe they are parked on the street too.
3 or 4 cars for one household is not a stretch of the imagination in this day and age.

Many households these days also have more than one car which adds to parking congestion on the streets.
Some families, wife and husband each have own vehicle and have children who old enough and fortunate to afford a little run around but can't afford a place of their own so living at home and therefroe they are parked on the street too.
3 or 4 cars for one household is not a stretch of the imagination in this day and age.Lips1964

Perhaps the older roads weren't designed for cars but that doesn't excuse the selfish and inconsiderate parking. Same goes for modern roads. If there isn't space to pass safely, then park elsewhere. No one has the right to park on the road if it causes inconvenience to others, and especially to emergency services. If there is enough room for passing vehicles then no problem, it's the idiots that double park, leave no room to pass or park on corners/bends that are the issue.

If there is a building on fire or people at risk, I would hope that the Fire Brigade/Ambulance Service/Police would do all they possible could to get there in a timely manner, if that means scraping or damaging cars in the process then so be it. Then charge the owners of those cars for being an obstruction and for damage to the emergency vehicles.

Perhaps the older roads weren't designed for cars but that doesn't excuse the selfish and inconsiderate parking. Same goes for modern roads. If there isn't space to pass safely, then park elsewhere. No one has the right to park on the road if it causes inconvenience to others, and especially to emergency services. If there is enough room for passing vehicles then no problem, it's the idiots that double park, leave no room to pass or park on corners/bends that are the issue.
If there is a building on fire or people at risk, I would hope that the Fire Brigade/Ambulance Service/Police would do all they possible could to get there in a timely manner, if that means scraping or damaging cars in the process then so be it. Then charge the owners of those cars for being an obstruction and for damage to the emergency vehicles.CocoaClown

I was told by a Fire Service training officer that legally they can damage other vehicles if necessary to get through on an emergency call, that the inconsiderately (ie. illegally) parked owner is then liable for damage both to their own vehicle and the fire appliance, and on top of that their insurance will be invalidated as a result of their illegal parking and will not cover the damage. Excellent news. So idiots, park at your own risk.

I was told by a Fire Service training officer that legally they can damage other vehicles if necessary to get through on an emergency call, that the inconsiderately (ie. illegally) parked owner is then liable for damage both to their own vehicle and the fire appliance, and on top of that their insurance will be invalidated as a result of their illegal parking and will not cover the damage. Excellent news. So idiots, park at your own risk.back_to_reality

The new housing developments that are cropping up everywhere don't provide adequate parking for residents, you will be lucky if you get enough space to park one car let alone two so can only see this problem getting worse in the future.

The Beaufort Park development on the old St.Ivel dairy site in Royal Wootton Bassett is a typical example of this, I have heard that the waste collection lorries have difficulties navigating and turning around in the roads and I have heard of damaged cars as a result but there is no alternative parking options for residents !

The new housing developments that are cropping up everywhere don't provide adequate parking for residents, you will be lucky if you get enough space to park one car let alone two so can only see this problem getting worse in the future.
The Beaufort Park development on the old St.Ivel dairy site in Royal Wootton Bassett is a typical example of this, I have heard that the waste collection lorries have difficulties navigating and turning around in the roads and I have heard of damaged cars as a result but there is no alternative parking options for residents !Lips1964

Davey Gravey wrote:
Old streets not designed for cars, new estates with ridiculously designed layouts that are anti car plus idiots who cannot park properly.

The problems with new estates is that keep prices down they have to cram more houses into the space. To provide better parking and road layouts would drive up the cost of the houses as there would be less built per acre (lets face it house builders are never going to educe their profits) so its catch 22. Add to that all the selfish idiots and its a recipe for chaos.

[quote][p][bold]Davey Gravey[/bold] wrote:
Old streets not designed for cars, new estates with ridiculously designed layouts that are anti car plus idiots who cannot park properly.[/p][/quote]The problems with new estates is that keep prices down they have to cram more houses into the space. To provide better parking and road layouts would drive up the cost of the houses as there would be less built per acre (lets face it house builders are never going to educe their profits) so its catch 22. Add to that all the selfish idiots and its a recipe for chaos.house on the hill

The ever growing size of modern cars does not help either. Even those of us lucky enough to have a garage often can't fit their car in it (unless you want to climb out of the tail gate).

The lack of parking, small spaces / driveways / garages can be excused on older estates but NOT on new builds, surely if there is not sufficient parking then the estate is "not fit for purpose".

The ever growing size of modern cars does not help either. Even those of us lucky enough to have a garage often can't fit their car in it (unless you want to climb out of the tail gate).
The lack of parking, small spaces / driveways / garages can be excused on older estates but NOT on new builds, surely if there is not sufficient parking then the estate is "not fit for purpose".swindondad

Regarding parking space in new developments, I'm not sure this is 100% due to developers even (although I do appreciate that they'll try not to "waste" building space on car parking) - the new estate I lived on was originally rejected for planning permission due to having TOO MANY parking spaces. There is a council-set quota for the ratio of spaces:houses which I believe is around 1.3 spaces per home (don't quote that figure!), and an impossibly-narrow garage counts as 1 space too.
The idea is it will discourage car ownership and encourage people onto the local public transport instead, but seems to just force bad parking and associated problems instead.

Regarding parking space in new developments, I'm not sure this is 100% due to developers even (although I do appreciate that they'll try not to "waste" building space on car parking) - the new estate I lived on was originally rejected for planning permission due to having TOO MANY parking spaces. There is a council-set quota for the ratio of spaces:houses which I believe is around 1.3 spaces per home (don't quote that figure!), and an impossibly-narrow garage counts as 1 space too.
The idea is it will discourage car ownership and encourage people onto the local public transport instead, but seems to just force bad parking and associated problems instead.mr_ed_1988

house on the hill wrote:
I think everyone gets frustrated by selfish parking, even more so where I live where every house has at least 1 parking space, but they park on the pavement outside their houses because they cant be bothered to walk the extra 20 yards to the spaces. Too many people just don't think or don't care if it doesn't directly affect them.

Lazy, inconsiderate?
These words seem to come up more and more in the last few months.
We have a problem with obesity why?

NOBODY parked in what they describe as "old streets" (as in the article) thinks they are parked legally or responsibly they know where they parked could cause problems for other drivers or emergency services.
Particularly in Old town or as above in Malmesbury it is a real problem, many beautiful places around the UK have similar problems.
Reasons for it are often that modern living (3/4 car families or larger modern cars) does not fit with these hamlets and villages. If you want the quiet village / town life surely you need to accept what comes with that.
I know a number of people in villages go out with speed cameras to help in these places maybe digital cameras could be issued allowing fines to be issued?
It will stop the parking problems in a cheap and efficient way.

[quote][p][bold]house on the hill[/bold] wrote:
I think everyone gets frustrated by selfish parking, even more so where I live where every house has at least 1 parking space, but they park on the pavement outside their houses because they cant be bothered to walk the extra 20 yards to the spaces. Too many people just don't think or don't care if it doesn't directly affect them.[/p][/quote]Lazy, inconsiderate?
These words seem to come up more and more in the last few months.
We have a problem with obesity why?
NOBODY parked in what they describe as "old streets" (as in the article) thinks they are parked legally or responsibly they know where they parked could cause problems for other drivers or emergency services.
Particularly in Old town or as above in Malmesbury it is a real problem, many beautiful places around the UK have similar problems.
Reasons for it are often that modern living (3/4 car families or larger modern cars) does not fit with these hamlets and villages. If you want the quiet village / town life surely you need to accept what comes with that.
I know a number of people in villages go out with speed cameras to help in these places maybe digital cameras could be issued allowing fines to be issued?
It will stop the parking problems in a cheap and efficient way.Badgersgetabadname

The "old streets" have a problem because the council has decided to add as many residents bays as physically possible meaning some roads are very narrow. A couple of vans either side and you can just squeeze a car through, no chance for a fire engine.

The "old streets" have a problem because the council has decided to add as many residents bays as physically possible meaning some roads are very narrow. A couple of vans either side and you can just squeeze a car through, no chance for a fire engine.nobody

nobody wrote:
The &quot;old streets" have a problem because the council has decided to add as many residents bays as physically possible meaning some roads are very narrow. A couple of vans either side and you can just squeeze a car through, no chance for a fire engine.

So less bay?

[quote][p][bold]nobody[/bold] wrote:
The "old streets" have a problem because the council has decided to add as many residents bays as physically possible meaning some roads are very narrow. A couple of vans either side and you can just squeeze a car through, no chance for a fire engine.[/p][/quote]So less bay?Badgersgetabadname

Good luck with trying to get a fire engine or ambulance down the streets of any of the Priory Vale or Haydon developments, where there is plenty of parking for the residents, but it doesn't happen to be out the front of their properties. The residents seem to have a problem with parking in their allocated spaces/garages simply because they are round the back, and they'd have to walk a few more paces to get in their front doors. I used to drive a small van round that area, and I had enough problem getting through.

Good luck with trying to get a fire engine or ambulance down the streets of any of the Priory Vale or Haydon developments, where there is plenty of parking for the residents, but it doesn't happen to be out the front of their properties. The residents seem to have a problem with parking in their allocated spaces/garages simply because they are round the back, and they'd have to walk a few more paces to get in their front doors. I used to drive a small van round that area, and I had enough problem getting through.DiDiDI

I mentioned that to a friend lately after picking up another friend . Most people have the space at the back or wherever. They prefer to park the closest position to their front doors. In the street and both sides too and they don't care about anyone else.

I mentioned that to a friend lately after picking up another friend . Most people have the space at the back or wherever. They prefer to park the closest position to their front doors. In the street and both sides too and they don't care about anyone else.greenpacer

im not a driver but daily see how people park inconsiderately on the pavement , in front of the shop by me which IS NOT a parking area for the shop although its used as one , even had someone the other sunday park his car across the end of my drive on half the pavement with his trailer also on the trailer , i called the police was outside giving them his reg no when he appeared, got in his car and promptly pushed his blue badge against the window , well even i know that does not allow to park like that so what he thought that would do i dont know but he moved his car into the parking area of the pub opposite why did he not do that in the first place , people who park and block the pavement means people having to put their and their childrtens life at risk they also drive around in a 20 mile zone as though they were in a race in the Grand Prix but do they care NO !!!!

im not a driver but daily see how people park inconsiderately on the pavement , in front of the shop by me which IS NOT a parking area for the shop although its used as one , even had someone the other sunday park his car across the end of my drive on half the pavement with his trailer also on the trailer , i called the police was outside giving them his reg no when he appeared, got in his car and promptly pushed his blue badge against the window , well even i know that does not allow to park like that so what he thought that would do i dont know but he moved his car into the parking area of the pub opposite why did he not do that in the first place , people who park and block the pavement means people having to put their and their childrtens life at risk they also drive around in a 20 mile zone as though they were in a race in the Grand Prix but do they care NO !!!!trowbridge52

I am not sure I believe some of the comments left here? I presume that they were left by people born without legs?
I was always taught that highways were constructed for traffic to get from A to B and not constructed as a parking lot? If any road is obstructed then a criminal offence has been committed and the offender not only gets a fine but a criminal record?
I don't believe that having more spaces built into an estate at planning will cure the problem as problems always expand to fit that space and beyond? Perhaps there should be an enforceable and compulsory cap put on dwellings as to how many vehicles each one can accommodate?
More effort should be put into encouraging people to walk, cycle and use buses by improving facilities and joining them up with adjacent facilities. This does not often happen at the moment? I have often tried to walk into various towns only to reach the edge of a new estate and find I cannot cross a busy road as there is no crossing. The same applies to cycle ways. Buses are not exactly set to run at the times people want to use them, go where people want to go to and at an affordable price. I wont go down the punctuality and cleanliness issues I have seen as I would be re-writing the whole newspaper?

Sadly, These problems are unlikely to be cured in Wiltshire as most of our councillors are dedicated car users?

I am not sure I believe some of the comments left here? I presume that they were left by people born without legs?
I was always taught that highways were constructed for traffic to get from A to B and not constructed as a parking lot? If any road is obstructed then a criminal offence has been committed and the offender not only gets a fine but a criminal record?
I don't believe that having more spaces built into an estate at planning will cure the problem as problems always expand to fit that space and beyond? Perhaps there should be an enforceable and compulsory cap put on dwellings as to how many vehicles each one can accommodate?
More effort should be put into encouraging people to walk, cycle and use buses by improving facilities and joining them up with adjacent facilities. This does not often happen at the moment? I have often tried to walk into various towns only to reach the edge of a new estate and find I cannot cross a busy road as there is no crossing. The same applies to cycle ways. Buses are not exactly set to run at the times people want to use them, go where people want to go to and at an affordable price. I wont go down the punctuality and cleanliness issues I have seen as I would be re-writing the whole newspaper?
Sadly, These problems are unlikely to be cured in Wiltshire as most of our councillors are dedicated car users?the optimist

Where I live in Bradford on Avon pavement parking has now reached epidemic proportions. There is no point remonstrating with these people as you will be abused and/or attacked. Motorists now believe they have an absolute right to park wherever, whenever and however they like because they know they are unlikely to be prosecuted. If they do then they can whine to local papers/media who will report how hard done by they are. As Optimist said the Council will do nothing as they are in hock to the car lobby and the Police likewise.

Where I live in Bradford on Avon pavement parking has now reached epidemic proportions. There is no point remonstrating with these people as you will be abused and/or attacked. Motorists now believe they have an absolute right to park wherever, whenever and however they like because they know they are unlikely to be prosecuted. If they do then they can whine to local papers/media who will report how hard done by they are. As Optimist said the Council will do nothing as they are in hock to the car lobby and the Police likewise.DavidP2012

DavidP2012 wrote:
Where I live in Bradford on Avon pavement parking has now reached epidemic proportions. There is no point remonstrating with these people as you will be abused and/or attacked. Motorists now believe they have an absolute right to park wherever, whenever and however they like because they know they are unlikely to be prosecuted. If they do then they can whine to local papers/media who will report how hard done by they are. As Optimist said the Council will do nothing as they are in hock to the car lobby and the Police likewise.

Quite right the violent reactions of many motorists whenever they are in the wrong is quite scary at times. Cant help but think getting out and walking or some fresh air may well improve the mood of these people.

Parked illegally? Take a picture and send it in, this will allow wardens to identify areas that need more focus and potentially issue fines etc..
If communities want to put a stop to it work as a community, as you state the council and police seem reluctant to do anything with other mitigating facotors

[quote][p][bold]DavidP2012[/bold] wrote:
Where I live in Bradford on Avon pavement parking has now reached epidemic proportions. There is no point remonstrating with these people as you will be abused and/or attacked. Motorists now believe they have an absolute right to park wherever, whenever and however they like because they know they are unlikely to be prosecuted. If they do then they can whine to local papers/media who will report how hard done by they are. As Optimist said the Council will do nothing as they are in hock to the car lobby and the Police likewise.[/p][/quote]Quite right the violent reactions of many motorists whenever they are in the wrong is quite scary at times. Cant help but think getting out and walking or some fresh air may well improve the mood of these people.
Parked illegally? Take a picture and send it in, this will allow wardens to identify areas that need more focus and potentially issue fines etc..
If communities want to put a stop to it work as a community, as you state the council and police seem reluctant to do anything with other mitigating facotorsBadgersgetabadname

The only way is to double yellow line all streets that are a problem regardless of protest.

This is a Health and Safety issue and should be dealt with immediately.

speaker2 says...
"Ticket all cars that are parked blocking access"
That is fine but who puts the fire out whilst this is happening.
The only way is to double yellow line all streets that are a problem regardless of protest.
This is a Health and Safety issue and should be dealt with immediately.trolley dolley

It is great the Emergency Services saying this however we now live in a society where people 'believe' that car is king. There is no enforcement by authorities for cars being driven illegally, speeding, no lights etc etc No enforcement of illegally parked cars on pavements or double yellow lines. The standard of driving is appalling and people have become so **** lazy and self centred they have no consideration to other road users, wether they be pedestrians, cyclists or car drivers. People are too bone idle to park in a safe and legal place and then walk an extra 50 m's to where they are going, in short a lot of drivers take the attitude i'm alright jack. If there was more enforcement then maybe drivers would wake up and think a little when using their cars.
That said cars have got bigger to incorporate mandatory safety features, roads & parking spaces have not got any bigger.
Maybe the Fire Service ought to take a leaf out of the Ambulance services book and bring in fast response vehicles/motorbikes to go ahead and assess situations. in urban environments there are hydrants so why not a 4x4 converted, carrying 5 firefighters and equipment to act as fast response, a motorcycle to go ahead of engines to recce routes and maybe get vehicles moved.

It is great the Emergency Services saying this however we now live in a society where people 'believe' that car is king. There is no enforcement by authorities for cars being driven illegally, speeding, no lights etc etc No enforcement of illegally parked cars on pavements or double yellow lines. The standard of driving is appalling and people have become so **** lazy and self centred they have no consideration to other road users, wether they be pedestrians, cyclists or car drivers. People are too bone idle to park in a safe and legal place and then walk an extra 50 m's to where they are going, in short a lot of drivers take the attitude i'm alright jack. If there was more enforcement then maybe drivers would wake up and think a little when using their cars.
That said cars have got bigger to incorporate mandatory safety features, roads & parking spaces have not got any bigger.
Maybe the Fire Service ought to take a leaf out of the Ambulance services book and bring in fast response vehicles/motorbikes to go ahead and assess situations. in urban environments there are hydrants so why not a 4x4 converted, carrying 5 firefighters and equipment to act as fast response, a motorcycle to go ahead of engines to recce routes and maybe get vehicles moved.devilstail

devilstail wrote:
It is great the Emergency Services saying this however we now live in a society where people 'believe' that car is king. There is no enforcement by authorities for cars being driven illegally, speeding, no lights etc etc No enforcement of illegally parked cars on pavements or double yellow lines. The standard of driving is appalling and people have become so **** lazy and self centred they have no consideration to other road users, wether they be pedestrians, cyclists or car drivers. People are too bone idle to park in a safe and legal place and then walk an extra 50 m's to where they are going, in short a lot of drivers take the attitude i'm alright jack. If there was more enforcement then maybe drivers would wake up and think a little when using their cars.
That said cars have got bigger to incorporate mandatory safety features, roads &amp; parking spaces have not got any bigger.
Maybe the Fire Service ought to take a leaf out of the Ambulance services book and bring in fast response vehicles/motorbikes to go ahead and assess situations. in urban environments there are hydrants so why not a 4x4 converted, carrying 5 firefighters and equipment to act as fast response, a motorcycle to go ahead of engines to recce routes and maybe get vehicles moved.

Its not just drivers the "I`m alright jack" attitude has come into almost everything. Sad but true.

[quote][p][bold]devilstail[/bold] wrote:
It is great the Emergency Services saying this however we now live in a society where people 'believe' that car is king. There is no enforcement by authorities for cars being driven illegally, speeding, no lights etc etc No enforcement of illegally parked cars on pavements or double yellow lines. The standard of driving is appalling and people have become so **** lazy and self centred they have no consideration to other road users, wether they be pedestrians, cyclists or car drivers. People are too bone idle to park in a safe and legal place and then walk an extra 50 m's to where they are going, in short a lot of drivers take the attitude i'm alright jack. If there was more enforcement then maybe drivers would wake up and think a little when using their cars.
That said cars have got bigger to incorporate mandatory safety features, roads & parking spaces have not got any bigger.
Maybe the Fire Service ought to take a leaf out of the Ambulance services book and bring in fast response vehicles/motorbikes to go ahead and assess situations. in urban environments there are hydrants so why not a 4x4 converted, carrying 5 firefighters and equipment to act as fast response, a motorcycle to go ahead of engines to recce routes and maybe get vehicles moved.[/p][/quote]Its not just drivers the "I`m alright jack" attitude has come into almost everything. Sad but true.Badgersgetabadname